Academics
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Students
High academic standards and a diverse student body ensure that students learn not only from their teachers, but also from one another. In 2011, more than 600 students participated in Spectrum, traveling from urban, suburban and rural communities in 28 states and 9 foreign countries. Many students return for a second and third summer, and more than 70% choose to reside on campus in a Northwestern University residence hall.
Courses
Some students attend Spectrum solely for academic enrichment, while other participants view Spectrum as an opportunity to complete a one-year or one-semester high school honors-level course during a three-week session. Spectrum students enroll in one course per three-week session and may attend one or two sessions each summer. Classes meet for approximately five hours a day, five days a week. All courses require several hours of homework daily. Most Spectrum courses are taught in the traditional instructor-led format, but a few of the math choices are structured as individually paced (IP) courses (see below for more information). You may review the course descriptions for IP offerings.
In order to maximize personal attention, Spectrum courses are generally limited to 18 participants per class. Spectrum matches students, based on demonstrated aptitude and ability, with appropriate learning experiences and emphasizes an approach to teaching that underscores strengths and encourages high achievement. Spectrum residents attend mandatory study sessions led by teaching assistants on Tuesday and Thursday evenings. Commuters are encouraged to participate in these study sessions as well as in afternoon activities. Commuters may stay for dinner for a per diem fee.
IP Math Courses
Individually paced (IP) learning is a research-validated approach for gifted students, particularly in mathematics. Grounded in research conducted by Johns Hopkins University’s Study of Mathematically Precocious Youth, IP courses are designed for students with high mathematical ability, high self motivation, and strong independent learning skills. The format lets students work independently at a pace commensurate with their abilities. In IP math courses, instructors work with students to assess their needs, monitor their progress by setting schedules for students to complete the required work and provide instruction when necessary. Still, students direct their own learning and must advocate for themselves in the learning process. Mastery must be demonstrated for students to progress to subsequent chapters in the text. If a student is unable to complete an entire two-semester course independently, s/he may continue her/his work after the session, at an additional cost, through CTD’s Gifted LearningLinks Summer Bridges online learning program.
Syllabi
Syllabi from past Spectrum courses, along with samples of student work, provide a good sense of Spectrum courses’ depth and breadth, as well as the varied projects and activities that engage students each day. Please click here for sample syllabi from 2011 courses.
Course Selection & Placement
Applicants should select courses in their area of academic strength, their test scores or other academic measures and their area of interest. Spectrum courses are intended to build upon a student's strengths. Each course is an intensive experience. By studying a topic of interest, students stay focused, achieve success and enjoy themselves in the process.
Because courses fill quickly, families are encouraged to list several course selections. Listing several choices does not hurt a student’s chance of being assigned to the first course choice, and neither does listing only one choice increase a student’s chance of placement in that course. Applicants who apply early have a better chance of receiving their first course choice than students who apply later in the application season.
The selection committee reserves the right to interpret the information contained in the application packet in order to select students most likely to contribute to and benefit from a Center for Talent Development Summer Program experience.
Evaluations
All students receive a final, written evaluation of their work, which includes course grades, the number of high school credits earned (if applicable) and comments on the student’s performance in the course. Evaluations are sent to families, usually by September 15. These evaluations are also sent to the student's school unless otherwise noted on the Application Form. Spectrum instructors are also available for parent conferences on the last day of each three-week session. During these conferences, instructors, parents and students can discuss the student's performance in the program.
Credit and Transcripts
Given Center for Talent Development’s accreditation through the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCA), students may earn credit for honors courses successfully completed. All students who complete a Spectrum honors credit-bearing course with a grade of C or better may be eligible for either one or two semesters of high school credit.
Acceptance of credit(s) at a student’s academic year school depends on that school’s institutional policy about the recognition of credit from outside institutions. Students who wish to receive credit from their home school for a Spectrum course should discuss this option with their academic counselor or school administrator BEFORE applying to Spectrum.
Official CTD transcripts are sent to the student's school unless otherwise indicated on the program application. Additional transcripts (for college applications, scholarships, etc.) may be requested for a fee using the Transcript Request form (available here).
Given the multitude of interesting course options, please use our course search tool to find the best courses for you. Read below for more information about the exciting, enriching experience that awaits you in the Spectrum program.
Instructional Staff
Our distinguished instructional staff is selected from premiere schools throughout the Midwest. Instructors are chosen for their mastery of subject matter, classroom experience, enthusiasm, ability to individualize their teaching and skill in providing interesting, thought-provoking, and varied classroom experiences. Each course also has a highly-qualified teaching assistant who provides academic support to students both in and out of class. Teaching assistants also lead evening study sessions on Tuesday and Thursday evenings after dinner.
Instructional Staff
Our distinguished instructional staff is selected from premiere schools throughout the Midwest. Instructors are chosen for their mastery of subject matter, classroom experience, enthusiasm, ability to individualize their teaching and skill in providing interesting, thought-provoking, and varied classroom experiences. Each course also has a highly-qualified teaching assistant who provides academic support to students both in and out of class. Teaching assistants also lead evening study sessions on Tuesday and Thursday evenings after dinner.
Students
High academic standards and a diverse student body ensure that students learn not only from their teachers, but also from one another. In 2011, more than 600 students participated in Spectrum, traveling from urban, suburban and rural communities in 28 states and 9 foreign countries. Many students return for a second and third summer, and more than 70% choose to reside on campus in a Northwestern University residence hall.
Courses
Some students attend Spectrum solely for academic enrichment, while other participants view Spectrum as an opportunity to complete a one-year or one-semester high school honors-level course during a three-week session. Spectrum students enroll in one course per three-week session and may attend one or two sessions each summer. Classes meet for approximately five hours a day, five days a week. All courses require several hours of homework daily. Most Spectrum courses are taught in the traditional instructor-led format, but a few of the math choices are structured as individually paced (IP) courses (see below for more information). You may review the course descriptions for IP offerings.
In order to maximize personal attention, Spectrum courses are generally limited to 18 participants per class. Spectrum matches students, based on demonstrated aptitude and ability, with appropriate learning experiences and emphasizes an approach to teaching that underscores strengths and encourages high achievement. Spectrum residents attend mandatory study sessions led by teaching assistants on Tuesday and Thursday evenings. Commuters are encouraged to participate in these study sessions as well as in afternoon activities. Commuters may stay for dinner for a per diem fee.
IP Math Courses
Individually paced (IP) learning is a research-validated approach for gifted students, particularly in mathematics. Grounded in research conducted by Johns Hopkins University’s Study of Mathematically Precocious Youth, IP courses are designed for students with high mathematical ability, high self motivation, and strong independent learning skills. The format lets students work independently at a pace commensurate with their abilities. In IP math courses, instructors work with students to assess their needs, monitor their progress by setting schedules for students to complete the required work and provide instruction when necessary. Still, students direct their own learning and must advocate for themselves in the learning process. Mastery must be demonstrated for students to progress to subsequent chapters in the text. If a student is unable to complete an entire two-semester course independently, s/he may continue her/his work after the session, at an additional cost, through CTD’s Gifted LearningLinks Summer Bridges online learning program.
Syllabi
Syllabi from past Spectrum courses, along with samples of student work, provide a good sense of Spectrum courses’ depth and breadth, as well as the varied projects and activities that engage students each day. Please click here for sample syllabi from 2011 courses.
Course Selection & Placement
Applicants should select courses in their area of academic strength, their test scores or other academic measures and their area of interest. Spectrum courses are intended to build upon a student's strengths. Each course is an intensive experience. By studying a topic of interest, students stay focused, achieve success and enjoy themselves in the process.
Because courses fill quickly, families are encouraged to list several course selections. Listing several choices does not hurt a student’s chance of being assigned to the first course choice, and neither does listing only one choice increase a student’s chance of placement in that course. Applicants who apply early have a better chance of receiving their first course choice than students who apply later in the application season.
The selection committee reserves the right to interpret the information contained in the application packet in order to select students most likely to contribute to and benefit from a Center for Talent Development Summer Program experience.
Evaluations
All students receive a final, written evaluation of their work, which includes course grades, the number of high school credits earned (if applicable) and comments on the student’s performance in the course. Evaluations are sent to families, usually by September 15. These evaluations are also sent to the student's school unless otherwise noted on the Application Form. Spectrum instructors are also available for parent conferences on the last day of each three-week session. During these conferences, instructors, parents and students can discuss the student's performance in the program.
Given Center for Talent Development’s accreditation through the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCA), students may earn credit for honors courses successfully completed. All students who complete a Spectrum honors credit-bearing course with a grade of C or better may be eligible for either one or two semesters of high school credit.
Acceptance of credit(s) at a student’s academic year school depends on that school’s institutional policy about the recognition of credit from outside institutions. Students who wish to receive credit from their home school for a Spectrum course should discuss this option with their academic counselor or school administrator BEFORE applying to Spectrum.
Official CTD transcripts are sent to the student's school unless otherwise indicated on the program application. Additional transcripts (for college applications, scholarships, etc.) may be requested for a fee using the Transcript Request form (available here).
